Singapore Airlines profit nearly halves amid surging fuel expenses

Singapore Airlines posted a net profit of S$134 million (US$104.56 million) for the six months ended November, according to results released Wednesday, marking a significant deterioration from S$239 million recorded in the same period a year earlier.

The roughly 44 per cent drop in profitability reflects the mounting pressure from elevated fuel costs that have persisted across the aviation sector, compressing margins for carriers even as travel demand remains robust. The flag carrier faces headwinds from volatile global energy markets, which have driven up operating expenses despite strong passenger demand in regional markets.

The airline's performance comes as the broader Asia-Pacific aviation sector navigates a complex operating environment balancing recovery in travel volumes against inflationary pressures. Singapore Airlines, which operates one of the region's largest international networks, has been managing capacity and pricing strategies to offset the impact of higher fuel expenses.

The results underscore the challenges facing full-service carriers in maintaining profitability amid external cost pressures, even as travel demand in the region continues to show resilience following post-pandemic recovery.